With its outstanding rereational services, programs and facilities for kids, it's really no surprise that the city of Cerritos has been recognized as a “Playful City USA” for the fourth year in a row.
KaBOOM!, a national non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing play back into children's lives, honored Cerritos along with 149 other communities nationwide with the title of Playful City USA. Playful City USA is a national program that honors cities and towns across the nation who put their children's well-being first by recognizing and harnessing the power of play. The cities were lauded for creating a positive impact on childhood wellness, public safety and quality of life issues.
KaBOOM! commended the Cerritos City Council's dedication to providing play opportunities for kids; maintaining a “Recreation is Good for You” public education campaign; continuing a partnership with to create increased awareness of the benefits of play and active recreation; and maintaining a month-long celebration of play and physical fitness each May in conjunction with National Physical Fitness and Health Month. The Cerritos Council was also recognized for ensuring Cerritos residents have high-quality open spaces and playgrounds in which to play.
The city is well known for its wide variety of recreational services and facilities, including 25 parks, community centers, the , the and the . The gymnasiums at and High Schools also offer two additional facilities for recreation.
"The beautiful wide open spaces and well-maintained city parks is just one of the many reasons why I love Cerritos," Caroline Chung told Patch during her walk with her 5-year-old daughter at . "I know how lucky we are to have such beautiful places to enjoy."
According to KaBOOM! representatives, the organization's vision is for the nation's communities to provide a great place to play within walking distance of every child. Playful City USA communities create best practices to reach those same goals. They serve as role models for other communities and prove that enhancing children's well-being by increasing the opportunity for play is an attainable goal for every community.
For a variety of fun classes and sports for all ages, look for the “Community Services Program” in the February, May, August and November issues of “The Cerritos News.” The City's website at www.cerritos.us also offers extensive information about fitness programs and facilities under the “Recreation” link.
* MarieSam Sanchez contributed to this report.
